Montgomery Zoo photo
ZooAlabama, US

Montgomery Zoo

The Montgomery Zoo offers a delightful escape into the wild, right in the heart of Alabama.

About

The Montgomery Zoo offers a delightful escape into the wild, right in the heart of Alabama. Spanning 40 beautifully landscaped acres, this zoological facility is home to approximately 750 animals representing 140 species from five different continents: Africa, Australia, Asia, North America, and South America. Visitors can embark on a global wildlife adventure, encountering majestic African elephants, rare white Bengal tigers, powerful jaguars, and charismatic chimpanzees, all housed in natural, barrier-free habitats designed to reflect their native environments. Beyond animal viewing, the zoo provides a rich, interactive experience for all ages.

Take a spin on the Zoofari Skylift Adventure Ride for a bird's-eye view of the expansive grounds, or get up close and personal with gentle giants at the Giraffe Encounter. The Parakeet Cove offers an immersive walk-through aviary where colorful parakeets might even land on your shoulder. Don't miss the Waters of the World exhibit, a newly renovated aquatic learning center featuring freshwater fish, turtles, and aquatic plant life from around the globe.

Adjacent to the zoo is the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum, a 28,000-square-foot facility housing one of the Southeast's largest collections of preserved North American wildlife, artifacts, and fossils. Here, detailed displays bring the natural world to life, providing educational insights into wildlife management and conservation. The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum together offer a comprehensive and engaging journey for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone looking to connect with the natural world and learn about the importance of conservation. Don't forget to bring the Snappit nature identification app along to scan local species.

The Montgomery Zoo began with humble origins in 1920 as a small children's zoo located in Oak Park. Housing a collection of alligators, monkeys, and bears, it also featured a small train and carousel for young visitors. The zoo faced a period of closure between 1960 and 1971 due to racial tensions and an unwillingness to integrate. It eventually reopened in 1972 at its current location, initially spanning six acres with a petting zoo, assorted monkeys, a flight cage, and a chimpanzee named Benji. A significant expansion began in 1989, leading to a revamped 40-acre facility in 1991 that introduced barrier-free, multi-species exhibits organized into five continental realms. The Mann Wildlife Learning Museum further enriched the venue when it opened its doors in 2003.

What to do here

Enjoy observing animals in their naturalistic habitats, attend daily zookeeper talks for insights into animal behavior and conservation, and consider the educational programs such as Dino Dig or Magical Creatures for hands-on learning. Explore the extensive taxidermy displays and historical artifacts at the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum.

Seasonal info

Alabama summers can be very hot, so visiting during cooler months or taking advantage of early morning hours is recommended. The zoo hosts special seasonal events like the Christmas Lights Festival and the annual Zoo Weekend fundraiser. Summer camps and holiday programs are also offered for children.

Accessibility

The Montgomery Zoo is handicap accessible, with paved trails throughout. Wheelchairs (manual and electric) are available for rent at the Zoofari Gift Shop. Service animals are welcome to assist guests.

Don't miss

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The impressive African Elephant habitat

2

the captivating Bengal Tigers

3

the majestic African Lions

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the unique Indian Rhinoceros

Wildlife you might spot

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Good to know before you go

Wear comfortable shoes

The zoo covers 40 acres, so you'll be doing a lot of walking.

Arrive early

Beat the heat and the crowds, and see the animals at their most active.

Check the daily schedule

Look for zookeeper talks and feeding times for a more engaging visit.

Consider the rides

The Zoofari Skylift Adventure Ride offers unique views (additional fee), but note that the miniature train ride is currently closed for repairs.

Utilize the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum: It's included with admission and provides a fantastic indoor complement to the outdoor zoo experience, especially on hot days.

Stay hydrated

Bring water bottles or purchase drinks at the Overlook Cafe or kiosks located throughout the zoo.

Frequently asked questions

The Montgomery Zoo is open daily from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The last entry for visitors is at 3:30 PM, and all guests are asked to exit by 4:30 PM.
Yes, admission to the Montgomery Zoo includes entry to the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum. The museum is located adjacent to the zoo and features a vast collection of preserved North American wildlife.
Yes, the Montgomery Zoo offers several interactive experiences, including the Giraffe Encounter, where visitors can feed giraffes, and Parakeet Cove, an immersive walk-through aviary. Daily zookeeper talks also provide opportunities to learn more directly from animal caretakers.

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